10 Ways to Save on Fuel

Gas prices are on the rise due to Hurricane Harvey. Here in Florida, prices have gone up 50 cents per gallon in less than a week. That can put a crimp in the budget. To help you out, here are 10 money saving tips to make your money go further when it comes to gasoline.

Fill your Tank in the early morning when it’s cooler —Gas is more dense when it’s cooler and as it gets warmer it expands. So if you buy in the afternoon, you won’t be getting the gallon you pay for.

Pump on Low Mode — I’m guilty of setting the nozzle to the fastest pump mode to save time. This isn’t the most economical though because you are creating a lot of vapor. Since the pumps have a vapor return, instead of it going into your gas tank you are paying for it to back into the underground storage tank.

Don’t Pump when the Gasoline Truck is Filling the Storage Tanks — If you see the big tanker at the gas station stay away. Most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you are likely to pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.

Fill up When your Tank is HALF Full — This is another rule I don’t always follow because I want to get the most of my fuel perks. However, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space and the lower the chance for the gas in your tank to evaporate while you are pumping.

Lift the Hose — After your nozzle shuts off, lift the extended hose so that every drop of gas you paid for actually gets into your tank.

Park in the Shade — Gas expands when hot. Your gas tank has a venting system that prevents excess pressure. This means some of it will automatically turn vapor and escape your tank. So you’ll loose gas even when your car isn’t running

Back up as Little as Possible — Reverse is the most powerful, but least efficient gear. It actually uses twice as much gas a going forward. So if you can pull through in a parking lot, do it.

Adjust your Seat — Make sure your seat is in the perfect position. If the seat is just a bit too far forward, your foot pressure on the gas pedal will increase and so will your gas usage.

Don’t Top Off your tank — By filling it to the top you leave no room for the fuel to slosh around in without leaking.

Turn Off the Car instead of Idling — If your going to be idling for more than a minute, you’ll save gas by shutting off your engine and restarting it when time to go.

Hope these tips help your gas budget go further. Do you have any great money saving gas tips?